Dragon Age's Veilguard Impresses BG3 Developer

Larian Studios' publishing director, Michael Douse (@Cromwelp on X), recently lauded BioWare's latest RPG, Dragon Age: The Veilguard. His enthusiastic review highlights the game's newfound focus and engaging gameplay.

Larian Studios' Publishing Director Applauds Dragon Age: The Veilguard

"A Dragon Age Game That Truly Knows Itself," Says Baldur's Gate 3 Exec

Douse, playing The Veilguard "in complete secrecy" (apparently even behind his office backpack!), shared his positive impressions on Twitter. He stated that The Veilguard, unlike previous entries, possesses a clear identity and purpose. He found the game's balanced approach to narrative and gameplay refreshing, likening it to a compelling, character-driven Netflix series rather than a sprawling, drawn-out saga.

The Veilguard's combat system also earned Douse's praise. He described it as a brilliant blend of Xenoblade Chronicles and Hogwarts Legacy, creating a fast-paced, dynamic experience reminiscent of BioWare's Mass Effect series. This marks a departure from the slower, more tactical combat of earlier Dragon Age games.

Douse emphasized the game's strong narrative momentum, noting its ability to seamlessly transition between crucial story moments and opportunities for player experimentation. This considered pacing, he suggested, represents a welcome shift from the more traditional RPG structures of its predecessors. He even commended BioWare's continued industry presence, particularly amidst what he termed "moronic corporate greed."

However, Douse's most significant praise focused on The Veilguard's self-assured identity. He declared it "the first Dragon Age game that truly knows what it wants to be," a statement that, while potentially implying criticism of past titles, was immediately clarified: "I’ll always be a [Dragon Age: Origins] guy, and this isn't that." While not replicating the nostalgic appeal of Origins, The Veilguard's distinct vision resonated strongly with Douse. His final verdict? "In a word, it’s fun!"

Dragon Age: The Veilguard's Rook Character Offers "True Player Agency"

Dragon Age: The Veilguard aims for deep player immersion through the Rook, a customizable protagonist. As reported by Xbox Wire, players enjoy extensive control over the Rook's background, skills, and moral alignment. The Rook's mission: to assemble a party to confront two ancient Elven gods threatening Thedas.

The character creation system ensures player choices—from backstory to combat specialization—significantly impact the gameplay experience. Classes include Mage, Rogue, and Warrior, each with unique specializations (e.g., Spellblade for Mages). Personalization extends even to the Rook's home, the Lighthouse, where players can decorate rooms to reflect their character's journey.

"As you do, Rook reminisces about their history before the events of the game," a developer shared with Xbox Wire. "This let me define more about my Rook—even down to choices I thought were incidental, like why he has face tattoos. The result is a character who truly feels like mine."

This detailed character development likely contributed to Douse's positive assessment, particularly the focus on meaningful player choices. With The Veilguard's October 31st release date approaching, BioWare hopes players will share Douse's enthusiasm. Our review, awarding the game a 90, highlights its embrace of faster-paced action RPG gameplay, offering a more fluid and engaging experience than its predecessors. For a full review, see the link below.